Thailand is a spiritual, colorful, and peaceful land. Koh Samui, in particular, is lush and beautiful, with tropical jungles and white-sand beaches surrounded by a sapphire-blue sea. An island in the Gulf of Thailand, Samui is situated in a high-energy zone, which directly affects practices like yoga and meditation, and makes it an ideal place for positive transformation and growth.

For those who want to venture out from Samahita, we’ve highlighted some of the many Koh Samui attractions, restaurants and places of beauty, which our guests have enjoyed over the years.

As well as being a tropical haven of beaches, five star hotels and spas, Samui has a rich Buddhist heritage and is home to many active temples. Only a five minute walk from Samahita Retreat is the Laem Sor Pagoda. With its shining golden tiles and peaceful atmosphere next to the mangroves and the ocean you can also visit the remains of Leung Poo Daeng, a realized monk and climb up to the Khao Chedi, high on the mountain with breathtaking views. Wat Kunaram is home to the preserved body of the revered Lung Padaeng, known as the Mummified Monk as he is still sitting in the meditation position over 20 years after his death. The most iconic Buddha statue on Samui is Wat Phra Yai, or Big Buddha temple not far from the Airport, where you can climb the steps up to see the large majestic Buddha. Only a short drive from here is Wat Ban Plai Leam where you will find is a large selection of intricately designed temples.

For holiday trinkets and gifts, visit the peaceful and traditional port town of Nathon, or the busier bustle of Lamai. The island’s largest tourist hub is Chaweng which is home to miles of stalls and stands selling everything from carved elephants to buckets and spades. Feel free to barter and be aware that many of the clothes and handbags are counterfeit – hence the low prices.

From 5pm until late on certain days the towns close off one street to traffic creating ‘Walking Street’. These colorful market events combine delicious hawker food, fun shopping, live music and performance.

For beautiful high quality hand crafted Buddha statues from Thailand and Burma visit Double Dutch next to Big Buddha Temple.

Join an organized tour from Samahita and the long tail boats (with shade) will collect you right in front of the shala and whisk you off to the peaceful tropical islands of Koh Matsum and Koh Tan for snorkeling and relaxing. Enjoy the stunning islands of the Anthong Marine National Park on a fun packed day trip, made famous by Alex Garland as the setting for his novel, ‘The Beach’. Visitors can swim, snorkel and visit the park headquarters on a beautiful white beach and climb to the view point for a breath-taking panorama, before lunch and a visit to the emerald lake.

Discover the best dive sites in the region with Joe and the Life Aquatic Team leaving Samui on board their dive speed boat https://www.thelifeaquatic.asia.

For those interested in learning more about Thailand’s martial art Muay Thai visit the Muay Thai Camps in Lamai.

There are also great hikes through the center of the island and waterfall hikes, Hin Lad Waterfall in Nathon is worth the trip.

For deep swimming beaches the North and East of Samui have less reef protection, with Chaweng’s powdery sands drawing in vast crowds of tourists from around the globe. A hub of shopping, nightlife and entertainment, this bustling metropolis feels like a million miles from the tranquility of Samahita Retreat’s quiet beach. Silver Beach near Lamai is still reminiscent of old Samui with a few family run resorts and restaurants and is a favorite for swimming beach with the locals.

To discover authentic Thai food not far from Samahita take a taxi or wander down the beach to Sweet Sisters where Khun Noi and her team will take good care of you. They also have a good selection of snacks, clothing and crafts if you are looking for gifts to take home. For the best coffee on Samui look no further than Boy’s Organic Coffee in the fishing village of Tong Krut, you can also stock up on some delicious organic coffee from Chiang Mai. Although many of our guests prefer to stay in the peaceful tranquility of our bay in the South of Samui if you feel like venturing further afield there are many great restaurants on the island.